Texas finale under way

Martin Jr., McCall duke it out for final Stren Series Central Division title

JASPER, Texas – Even though the field of 177 pros and 177 co-anglers has been trimmed the final 10 in each division, Stren Central Division finalists can expect a little company on Sam Rayburn this afternoon. The Skeeter Bass Champs circuit will take off this morning and they are expected to add another 300 boats to the water.

In fact, things were so crowded at the boat launch at the Umphrey Family Pavilion, takeoff was moved to the Twin Dikes Park just down the road. The final 10 pros and 10 co-anglers blasted off at 6 a.m. just as soon as the tournament staff deemed there to be safe light.

That additional angling pressure could alter plans, especially for those who had planned to fish shallow. Regardless of the situation, these anglers are fishing for considerable paydays, so expect them to do whatever it takes to put fish in the boat.

Pros are competing for a top award worth as much as $64,500, including a fully rigged Ranger boat package, and valuable points that could qualify them for a trip to the $1 million Stren Series Championship. The top prize in the Co-angler Division is worth as much as $35,000, including a Ranger boat and trailer if contingency guidelines are met, and co-anglers are also competing for points to earn a berth into the season-ending championship.

Currently leading the pros is Lendell Martin Jr. of Nacogdoches, Texas, with 21 pounds, 4 ounces. 2006 Stren Series Central Division Angler of the Year Chris McCall is just over 4 pounds behind with a weight of 17-2. After McCall, the weights drop off a bit with the third and fourth slots in the Pro Division belonging to Louisiana pros Jeremy Guidry and Kevin Lasyone with 14-0 and 13-14, respectively.

In the Co-angler Division, local Jasper fisherman John Cure has a sizeable lead after having hauled in the biggest bass of the entire tournament. His 9-pound, 6-ounce, kicker anchored a four-fish total of 15 pounds, 6 ounces, and gave Cure nearly a 3-pound lead. Co-angler Travis Darley of Del Rio, Texas, has a significant deficit to overcome, but has the best shot at catching Cure with his weight of 12-11.

Weights were zeroed at the start of Friday’s semifinal competition, and Saturday’s winners will be determined by the heaviest combined weight from both days, tournament days three and four.

Catch the action

Saturday’s final weigh-in will be held at the Wal-Mart store located at 800 W. Gibson in Jasper beginning at 4 p.m. The Fujifilm Trout Pond opens at 2:30 as well as a horde of other activities and product demonstrations put on by Pure Fishing.

For Stren Series fans unable to attend the festivities in person, all the action is available via a streaming video program called FLW Live. To tune in, visit FLWOutdoors.com at 4 p.m. and then click on the FLW Live link.

Saturday’s conditions

Sunrise: 6:18 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 66 degrees

Expected high temperature: 92 degrees

Water temperature: 76-82 degrees

Wind: SSW at 7 mph

Maximum humidity: 59 percent

Day’s outlook: clear, sunny skies